Last week I took a walk with my friend the beekeeper, Francesca Buonagurelli, whose head is full of minute knowledge about her territory. On the roadside was a small plant bravely flaunting its frilly leaflets in the chill winter air. I knew it as salad burnet in England, and we too use it (or used to use it) in salads, but I don’t know of any traditional saying in English. Its scientific name is Sanguisorba minor and it’s in the rose family.

Pimpinella doesn't even mind a bit of snow

The young leaves have a mild, fresh flavour. Just what’s needed in a winter salad.